Combine Results

Grade

4.83 SEC

25 REPS

31.0 INCH

111.0 INCH

7.30 SEC

4.40 SEC

Draft Analysis:

"I think he's really a good fit for Chuck Pagano. Very similar player by the name of (Paul) Kruger that he drafted in the second round when he was with the Baltimore Ravens. He will thrive in a Chuck Pagano system." -- Mike Mayock

6'3" Height

33 1/4" Arm Length

266LBS. Weight

9 5/8" Hands

Overview

As a sophomore high school exchange student from Germany, Werner wowed his Salisbury (Conn.) teammates and coaches by racking up 12 sacks in eight games. He missed his home country, however, so he moved back to Berlin - but kept his mind on the game by playing on a national team. Colleges were very happy he returned to Salisbury for his senior season; Florida State and its then-new head coach Jimbo Fisher eventually won the battle to secure his services (over Chip Kelly and Oregon).

It didn't take the already-married Werner long to make an impact in Tallahassee, playing in all 14 games with six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a true freshman. He started all 13 games as a sophomore, earning honorable mention All-ACC recognition with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Werner was good in 2011, but was great in 2012, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the conference in sacks (13). He also had 42 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8 passes break-ups. Capitalizing on his productive junior season, Werner decided to forgo his final year at Florida State and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Analysis

Strengths

Flexible athlete with the natural bend to dip and contort his body to get under or around blocks. Shows excellent snap anticipation and fires out of his stance. Projects as a strong-side 4-3 end who can play the run well and get pressure on the quarterback. Possesses good quickness off the snap for his size and flashes some shimmy to get the inside lane. Finds the ball well and uses active hands to rip past tackles after initial contact. Brings power to his punch, can bull his man toward the quarterback with leverage. Swallows running backs after shedding his man in the run game, has athleticism to make tackles in space. Stacks and sheds well, sets the edge and works off blocks to make stops in the run game. Times jumps well to knock down passes if unable to get to the quarterback, also looks comfortable making plays in coverage (18 career passes defended).

Weaknesses

Lacks elite length for the position and doesn't have the natural start/stop explosion of some pass rushers. Pops straight up out of his stance at times, losing strength at the point of attack, and is inconsistent turning the corner as a pass rusher. Usually looks for misdirection when unblocked but loses contain when getting caught up in pulling guards instead of keeping outside leverage. Motor tends to run hot/cold at times, especially late in games or if the play isn't to his side. Needs to consistently finish when he gets his hands on the ball carrier. Has a history of several minor injuries, including a left hand issue that bothered him this past season.

NFL Comparison

Osi Umenyiora

Bottom Line

Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Werner enjoyed American football growing up and joined a club team before moving to the United States as a high school exchange student, playing two seasons and emerging as a top recruit. He has developed his football knowledge and technique substantially the past five years, flashing a top football IQ and instincts. Werner has the frame and athleticism to win with flashes of speed or power, although he needs to improve his motor for all four quarters. He has proven to be much more than just a pass rusher, showing much better awareness against the run and at the line of scrimmage to swat passes down. He has the potential to be an impact starting strong-side DE in a four-man front.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.